Leading world foods distributor Wanis International continued celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a World Bazaar themed extravaganza at Forman’s Fish Island, overlooking London’s Olympic Stadium on Thursday 4th September.
The event was held to say a big “thank you” to all of Wanis’ suppliers, stakeholders and the extended Wanis family, all of whom have helped the business to flourish over the past five decades. The event featured a lavish street-food style menu with cuisines from around the world including South America, Africa, the Caribbean, East and South Asia. Guests were also entertained by a snake dancer, belly dancers, a magician, limbo dancing, a fire breather, Geishas, and hum-animals – which brought to life the bustling international bazaar.
Attendees included the great and the good from across the food and drinks industry, as well as guests who had flown in from across the world especially to celebrate the occasion with Wanis.
Sanjay Wadhwani, MD at Wanis said:
“Thank you to everyone who has helped Wanis to become who we are today. Over the past five decades we have seen everything from power cuts, national industrial strikes, recessions, boom periods as well as a change in the culture, tastes and foods we now enjoy. We have seen it all and are still going stronger than ever.
“From humble beginnings as a small retailer on Holloway Road in London, Wanis has transformed into one of the UK’s largest ethnic food and drinks distributor. We would never have been able to do all this without the support of many people including our suppliers, customers, colleagues and the shoppers who enjoy great tasting foods from around the world.
“We can’t deny that we have changed over the last 50 years. But what hasn’t changed is that we still have a passion for good food, and we’re still a family business – albeit a much larger family!”
Alongside the international food and festivities, a silent auction was held as part of the Wanis 50th Anniversary Campaign, which is aiming to raise £50,000 to be shared between five chosen charities. Items ranging from exclusive foodie experiences and unique signed memorabilia were all offered for auction. Thousands of pounds were raised on the night, with additional pledges from guests who attended, and even those who hadn’t still continuing to come in.
The five charities are:
- The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), UK
- Guru Nanak Trust Fund, Home for the Disabled, Ranchi, India
- Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme, London
- St Anne’s Church, Greenwich Town, Jamaica
- Waltham Forest Cinema Trust, London
For those who would like to make a donation to the Wanis 50th Anniversary Fund can do so by emailing celebrate@wanis.com.
